The view of the sea is so wonderful, especially during the time of sunrise. You basked yourself in the early morning light and deeply inhaled the scent of the sea.
"Well, aren't you early?"
You turned around to be greeted by a tall woman with long brown hair and wore a red eyepatch. You gave her a smile and giggled.
"Good morning, Captain Beidou"
"Eager to get home soon, kid?" She went over to you and ruffled your hair. You chuckled and tried to move away from the ruffling.
"Yeah, I missed everyone so much. I can't wait to see them again"
"I see.. Well, that's great" She leaned against the post and turned her head to the side. "Looks like your bodyguard is getting along with Kazuha over there"
You turned your head as well, seeing Heizou talking to someone with white hair and dressed up like a samurai from Inazuma. He must be the wandering ronin that was chased away by the shogunate during the Sakoku decree.
The redhead detective stole a glance at you and noticed you looking at him so he gave you a wink and a wave. You slightly blushed and waved back before he reverts his attention back to the white haired ronin.
"I'm awfully curious about your relationship with him. Is he your lover?" You could feel Beidou's interested grin, to which you immediately turned at her and shook your hands in denial.
"N-No! It's nothing like that!"
"Kid, even with one eye, I could see the blush plastered on your face"
"No really! It's not what you think-"
The captain let out an amused laugh. "Just kidding. Your reactions are just quite amusing, can't help but want to tease you"
You let out a sigh. "Geez.."
[Heizou's POV]
"You seem to be trapped in a trance"
After waving at y/n, I turned to look at Kazuha then nearly broke out a laugh and ended up chuckling a bit. "Do I?" I tried to be coy with my answer as the ronin just let out a light chuckle as well.
"Can't help but notice that you kept stealing glances at your companion for some time now. Perhaps being lovestruck is the correct term?"
"Haha.. I really can't fool you, can I?" I slightly reverted my gaze at y/n as she was getting along with the captain of the ship. "Though I wonder if she felt the same way.."
"Why not ask her? Or perhaps try giving out some hints?"
"I already gave out hints but she's kind of hard to crack. Let's just say that she's quite puzzling, but it's not like I'm complaining. I'm always up for a challenge"
"Well then, I wish you the best of luck" He gave a soft smile to which I reciprocated along with a nod.
We then spent the rest of the journey chatting away, followed by having breakfast together with the crew. After that, we soon managed to arrive at Liyue Harbor.
"Liyue Harbor! Oh how long I've missed this place!" y/n rushed out of the ship and I quickly followed behind her.
"Man alive, she's gotten even more energetic"
"You kiddos stay safe!" I heard the captain calling out as we both got off the ship.
"Heizou cmon!" She stopped for a bit to grab my wrist and drag me throughout the busy streets.
"Where are we going? And careful when running, won't you? You're gonna—" As I was about to warn her, she somehow got a bit distracted and bumped into someone. I immediately went to catch her from behind and looked at the person she bumped into. "I'm really sorry" I lightly bowed my head apologetically.
The man had ginger hair and deep blue eyes, but something about those eyes doesn't feel right. Other than that, he doesn't seem to be a local of Liyue either. Perhaps a tourist as well?
"Oh- no worries comrade! I should apologize for standing in the way. If you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to. Careful where you're running off to next time" The ginger-haired man just smiled before walking away and waving at us.
I sighed and helped my clumsy companion to stand straight. "I told you so"
She gave a light pout as she huffed. "Fineee. Cmon, let's head to a friend's place first" She grabbed my wrist again as she continued dragging me.
[y/n's POV]
You both soon arrived at Wanmin Restaurant and sat down by the stool. By the time you both were about to order, a girl with dark blue hair rushed out of the kitchen and ran towards you.
"Oh my gosh, y/n?! It's been a long time!"
You instantly recognize her right away and jumped out of your seat. "Xiangling!" You both held each other's hands and jumped in joy. The both of you haven't seen each other in so long and the last time you saw her was when you first came to Liyue to sightsee.
"What brings you here?"
"Oh! Right- before that" You turned back and grabbed the redhead detective by the arm. "This is Heizou, a well-renowned detective from Inazuma. Heizou, this is Xiangling, one of the best chefs in all of Liyue. She's also the daughter of the owner of this restaurant"
"Aww, you flatter me, y/n! Cooking is apparently just a passion of mine, that's all!"
"Oh pleased to meet you, Ms. Xiangling. The name's Shikanoin Heizou"
"The pleasure's all mine! And you're a well-renowned detective? That's pretty cool! What brings a great detective here in Liyue Harbor, if you don't mind me asking?"
"I'm just here to accompany y/n since she said she wants to return to Mondstadt. Though I also would like to take the opportunity to visit places outside Inazuma"
"That's so sweet! Hope you'll enjoy your stay here. Oh! And let me cook something for you two, on the house!" The blue haired gal rushed back into the kitchen.
"Oh no- Xiangling it's okay, let us pay for it" You insisted as you slowly took out your pouch.
"No really! It's fine! Besides, this is a recipe I wanted to experiment and you two are the first ones to try it!" When it comes to Xiangling's cooking, whether it is experimental or not, you know it's going to be very good. She soon finished up cooking and served the both of you with a minced deep-fried fish that is drizzled in ketchup and sauce. You could feel your mouth starting to water as you grabbed two pairs of chopsticks for you and Heizou.
"It looks so good!" You readied your chopsticks and tasted the fish. No words can truly describe how you feel as you got the pleasure of tasting one of Xiangling's cooking. You could feel your eyes sparkling in delight while savoring the food in your mouth.
"How is it?"
"It's... amazing! No wait- beyond that! And—" You paused for a moment as you suddenly felt a sudden flavor kicking in your taste buds. "Spicy!!" You felt like your tongue is on fire, Xiangling quickly went to get you some water then you immediately accepted it and gulped it all down before you slowly started to calm down.
"Hehe~ I actually added some Jueyun Chili to the Squirrel Fish recipe to give it the Boom shaka-laka!"
"This food is beyond remarkable, no wonder people call you one of the best chefs. This is a masterpiece!" Heizou wolfed down on the food and enjoyed every last bit of it. You thought to yourself how he isn't that bothered with the spiciness.
"Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Perhaps I should try making recipes based on Inazuman dishes as well!" She clasped her hands together as the detective nodded in agreement.
"Can't wait!" You then continued eating the dish and try to sip on the water to ease the spiciness.
The three of you continued chatting throughout the meal. There are a lot of things that you and the blue haired gal wanted to catch up on, but you still have to travel back to Mondstadt soon so you decided to save it for another time. After the meal, you and the detective thanked the chef and bid your farewells, hoping to meet each other soon as you both started walking on the streets of the harbor.
"I'm stuffed!" You felt satisfied as you pat your stomach. You haven't had Xiangling's cooking since the last time you came to Liyue so your appetite started to devour as much of her delicious cooking earlier when it got the chance.
"A very passionate chef with extraordinary talents for cooking, I'd like to try more of her recipes someday" The redhead detective remarked.
"Hehe~ Then you should definitely come to Liyue more often!"
"Maybe. When Madam Kujou approves of letting me have another paid leave" He shrugged and you just sheepishly chuckled.
***
After a long journey together, you both soon arrived by the bridge that leads to the city walls of your birth nation, Mondstadt. The city walls and gates appeared to be decorated with flowers and other designs.
"It's been such a long time..." You muttered to yourself as you stopped walking and gazed at the distant view. The redhead detective then stopped right beside you and turned his head to look at you with a soft smile. "Don't start crying now, we haven't gotten inside yet" He joked.
You chuckled and lightly hit his arm before you both continued to walk towards the gate.
"No way, is that who I think it is?!" A voice suddenly called out, making you and your companion pause before turning around.